Style in the city: How to keep it chic at your big city wedding by Lilac Rose Bridal

Brides are often swayed by their choice of venue when it comes to choosing their wedding dress and we often find those who opt for a city based wedding prefer a simple, refined look when it comes to their dress - but still want to look like a bride on their big day. There are plenty of ways to create a standout sophisticated look without compromising on the bridal style stakes.

•             Fabric comes first.

What is often missed in catalogue photos of wedding gowns is the fabric. Cameras can’t capture the way sophisticated fabrics move when walking up the aisle, sitting down, shimmying on the dancefloor et cetera, so don’t shy away from simpler gowns as sometimes it’s all about the fabric, the fit and those expert dance moves.

•             Accessorise with care.

The right accessories can make a dress, but they can also break it. Stick to one or two statement pieces that will bring the look together rather than overwhelming you, for example a simple lariat necklace will look stunning with a backless dress or a perfect pair of chandelier earrings will draw the eyes up from a simple boat-neck. As Coco Chanel herself says, less is more.

•            Get your legs out.

Nothing says contemporary wedding more than a shorter hemline. Although tea length is proving more and more popular, the often ignored ballet length (just above the ankle) is a happy compromise between full on evening dress and the fun and funky prom dress. This length looks just gorgeous in a circle, column and mullet skirt (when the back is longer than the front) and is great excuse to buy some showpiece shoes.

•         Ditch the bouquet.

If you are holding a civil ceremony you might be dispensing with other traditions so why not take this opportunity to get more creative with your flowers? A wrist corsage, a headpiece even a button hole will still introduce flowers into your look without having to hide your dress behind a large bouquet.

•        Call the milliner.

Hats are usually reserved for the wedding party but if you opt for a simple dress, a hat can really put the edge into your look, and with the addition of a small birdcage veil, there will be no mistaking you’re the bride. There are plenty of talented milliners in Ireland too who can make your hat match your dress to a T.

•          Introduce colour.

Even just a hint of colour can transform an outfit from a ‘whatever’ into a ‘wow’! A colourful underskirt, a bright hue on your nails or lips, even a belt to match your bridesmaids can give your ensemble the edge you might be looking for.

Pictured:

Eliza Jane Gown beaded column dress available at Lilac Rose Bridal

Lou Lou bridal tea length dress with Blue underskirt. Also available in Pink at Lilac Rose Bridal

Charlie Brear bias cut slipper satin dress available at Lilac Rose Bridal